Welcome to #TheQuickSixInterview with Hayley Gannon and Michelle Conn!
Books about books and school libraries – we love ’em! Thanks to the brilliance of teacher librarian, Hayley Gannon, paired with the talents of award-nominated author-illustrator, Michelle Conn, our world is much brighter for having this new, fabulous junior fiction series in it – introducing Luna’s World. In Library Dreams, Luna Merrian, and her cast of alliterated and aptly named characters, spell out all kinds of literacy wonders as well as literary challenges, as Luna faces her school frenemy Jade Jones for the prestigious Little Librarian role. Told in first person (with such 10-year-old voice accuracy) in diary format (so ‘on-point’ for this text), Luna’s personality, emotions and passions are clearly spilled out onto the pages, accompanied with the sweetest, kid-friendliest and school/library-esque illustrations you could scan your eyes on! Positively highlighting Luna’s strengths in her learning differences, the creators behind this series beautifully advocate for the love and curiosity of books amongst children who are newly independent readers as well as older readers moving from junior / graphic novels to chapter books. Three cheers for school libraries, librarians and for Luna!
Thanks so much for sharing your valuable book with us, Hayley and Michelle! 🙂
About the Author
Hayley Gannon is a teacher librarian working in Canberra. She adores children’s literature and is an advocate for getting quality books into kids’ hands. She loves writing about real family and school life so that readers can see themselves in books. When she’s not writing, Hayley delights in enthusiastic read-alouds, watching reruns of 90s sitcoms and discovering there is a café inside a bookshop.
She is regular guest on the popular podcast Reading with a Chance of Tacos.
Luna’s World is Hayley’s first published book.
Please find Hayley Gannon via Affirm Press and on Instagram.
About the Illustrator
Michelle Conn is an author and illustrator of children’s books, residing on Wadawurrung Country along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. In 2024, her debut picture book, Raised by Moths, written by Charlie Archbold, was honoured as a CBCA Notable Picture Book and shortlisted for the New Illustrator Award. With a Bachelor of Design and a Bachelor of Teaching, Michelle seamlessly blends her educational background and artistic skills to create enchanting stories for young readers. Her debut as both author and illustrator, The Christmas Star, was published by Affirm Press. Michelle’s passion for storytelling and
illustration brings joy and imagination to the world of children’s literature.
Please find Michelle Conn at her website: michelleconnillustration.com and on Instagram.
Luna’s World: Library Dreams is available for purchase via Affirm Press.
Thanks to Affirm Press for providing a complimentary copy of Luna’s World.
WHO wrote, illustrated and published this book?
HG: Written by Hayley Gannon, illustrated by, the very talented, Michelle Conn and published by the wonderful team at Affirm Press.
WHAT is it about?
HG: The series centres around Luna Merrian – a student in Year 5 who loves books and reading. But she’s not your typical bookworm – she tends to interrupt others and have emotional outbursts. The reader soon meets teacher librarian, Ms Sunny, who Luna very much likes and we learn that Luna is intent on becoming this year’s Best Library Monitor Ever. But, it’s not quite as straightforward as Luna thinks and her “frenemy” Jade Jones has a few things to say about it.
WHAT is your favourite part of this book?
HG: The part I like the best is when Luna, and the reader, realise that Ms Sunny is clearly making up these “library challenges” as she goes along – but Luna still takes it so seriously! When Luna discovers that she will have to work collaboratively with Jade, she is unimpressed to find that their strengths actually complement each other. Interestingly, they’re able to complete their challenge much easier than if they were alone.
MC: I love when Luna and Jade compete for the role of Little Librarian by doing all the
challenges Ms Sunny sets for them.
What media did you use to illustrate it?
MC: I used digital media to create the illustrations in a program called Procreate.
WHEN is its release date?
Released 25th March 2025 – and available online and in bookstores.
WHERE did the inspiration for this book come from?
HG: As a full-time teacher librarian, I do plenty of library lunchtime duties. So, I’ve witnessed my fair share of friendship drama and library monitor conflict! And, when I first began to write my ideas down, my own children loved Little Lunch (by Danny Katz and Mitch Vane) as a humorous – but realistic – reflection of what goes on at break-times in schools. My inspiration and storyline flowed from there.
WHY is this book meaningful to you?
HG: Library Dreams features the school library as a welcoming, safe space (as all libraries should be!). Ms Sunny, the teacher librarian, encourages conversation and a sense of school community. I also think it is a perfect series for reluctant readers because it has manageable text and engaging illustrations. Luna’s World bridges the gap between early readers and novels.
WHY would its message resonate with readers?
HG: Luna tells the reader that she told her Mum that her mind is always racing. So, Mum brings home a journal for her to get her thoughts down on paper. Luna’s World is written in diary format – and that means it is quite accessible for kids to read. Luna begins writing in this diary to help organise her thoughts and it shows readers that journalling can be a fun and rewarding daily practice. I’m also proud of that fact that learning differences are celebrated through positive characterisation.
MC: Luna’s World captures all the ups and downs of primary school life and the challenges kids face with friendships and learning difficulties. I think so many young readers will resonate with Luna and/or Jade and feel less alone with their own struggles.
HOW long did it take to write?
HG: I first pitched the idea to a publisher in 2022. The manuscript looked quite different to what has been published in 2025! I feel like it has improved, greatly, through the wisdom of my editor and publisher.
How long did it take to illustrate?
MC: I designed the cover as well as the internal illustrations so in total it took about six months.
HOW do you feel about the text/illustrations?
Do they convey the feeling or mood you envisioned?
HG: I’m so happy with the tone and voice of Luna in the text. Luna is really likeable and really relatable! The illustrations are way better than I could have hoped for and I am incredibly grateful to Michelle Conn for bringing Luna, Ms Sunny and the supporting characters to life.
MC: I think the text and illustrations work really well together. There’s a warmth and childlike quality that reflects the age group and message in the story. The diary format also helps young readers connect to Luna’s emotions on a deeper level. The designer, Jo Hunt, did a great job with the font choice and layout of the diary. It feels really friendly and accessible for young readers.
Other information or experiences you’d like to share?
HG: The Australian campaign for school libraries is ongoing (#studentsneedschoollibraries). It is so important for schools to have a school library, first of all, but to also have it managed by qualified staff. The positive impact of this on students is incredible!
MC: This was my first time illustrating a junior fiction series, and I LOVED it! It’s so different to the process of creating a picture book but equally rewarding!
Please share your some of your favourite promotional ideas for this book.
MC: I love the bookmark that young readers can colour in and I love that Hayley read Luna’s World on the Friday First Chapters segment of Your Kid Next Read podcast!
LOVE this first book in your brilliant new series! Congratulations, Hayley and Michelle! 🙂
#thequicksixinterview #lunasworld #librarydreams #reading #juniorfiction #justkidslit
